"He touched the lives of thousands of workers, at the bargaining table and at the provincial legislature. John's passion for equality and fairness inspired so many to follow in his footsteps." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

"This sentencing is a reminder for Public Safety Minister Mike Morris and B.C.’s court system to take notice of the extremely dangerous and violent conditions our officers are faced with every day.” — Dean Purdy, BCGEU Vice-President, Corrections and Sheriff Services

Vancouver (01 March 2017) — When the B.C. Liberals delivered a pre-election budget with uncharacteristic commitments to new spending, Finance Minister Mike de Jong boasted about the province’s ability to make service and program investments after so many years of discipline and sacrifice by British Columbians.

“This report echoes what the BCGEU has been saying for a long time, and that is, there needs to be more funding and staffing for both legal aid and court services in B.C.” – Stephanie Smith, President BCGEU

"It would be expected that Vancouver’s municipal government, which formally recognizes the scope of the crisis, would put more effort into harm reduction in what is already the most heavily policed neighbourhood in British Columbia.” — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President